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McFall’s Nutcracker charms Fox Theatre for final time

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One of the opening scenes in the Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker, where Marya's family prepares to open Christmas gifts.

The world looked a lot different in 1995, and so did Atlanta.

The Braves were crowned World Series champions, and were still making homeruns out of Turner Field. The city doubled as a construction site, as Atlanta geared up for its debut on the world stage for the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Meanwhile, the Fox Theatre was preparing for a nerve-wracking debut of its own: a brand new version of the classic Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. The show had been a personal gift to the city in 1959, given to the Atlanta Ballet by the New York Ballet co-founder himself, George Balanchine.

This prestigious history loomed over John McFall, the Atlanta Ballet artistic director who dared to adapt the iconic play in 1995. Tensions and expectations ran high, but McFall’s version quickly became a holiday season fixture at the Fox Theatre.

So, as the Fox drew the curtain on McFall’s Nutcracker for the final time this past Thursday, there was not an empty seat in the house. For one more afternoon, men, women, and children alike were whisked away to an enchanted land where toys come alive and nutcracker princes save the day.

The Atlanta Ballet was as graceful as ever, leaping and pirouetting across the stage with the ease of veteran dancers in a seasoned company. Airi Igarashi was enchanting in the lead role of Marya; a dainty ballerina plucked right out of a toy music box, with the likeness of a Disney princess.

Per usual, McFall’s rendition delivered on its diverse choreography styles, and hit every step perfectly. Mikaela Santos and Alexandre Barros captivated the crowd with awing stunts and impossible lifts for the Spanish dance, while Monika Haczkiewicz and Keith Reeves were equally as stunning for the Arabian portion. 

The lush harmonies of the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and Georgia Youth Choir were star cast members themselves, and added to the overall magical atmosphere. The elaborate costumes and intricate set design, complete with a 38-foot tree and 20 pounds of snow, completed the fairytale feel in the air.

Two decades and hundreds of shows later, the cast took its final bow to thunderous applause and a standing ovation. In 2018, Atlantans can enjoy a fresh faced version choreographed by Yuri Possokhov, but I have no doubt that The Nutcracker will cast the same enchanting spell it always has.

For as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

 

 

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Full-Figured Flings Teaser Nears 10K Views – Director of Photography Offers Special Father’s Day Release

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Back 2 the Basics Production Management Group is proud to announce the official teaser premiere for FFF: Full-Figured Flings, a bold and unapologetic new film celebrating full-figured women and challenging the norms of beauty in Hollywood. Clocking in at just 46 seconds, the teaser doesn’t waste a moment, delivering a powerful visual and emotional punch that sets the tone for a project rooted in body positivity, size inclusivity, and cultural truth.

Premiering ahead of the 20th anniversary of Phat Girlz (2006), FFF serves as both homage and evolution. The film expands the conversation around colorism, sizeism, and shapeism, spotlighting women who have often been cast aside, sidelined, or silenced.

“This teaser is more than a preview—it’s a declaration,” said Lillie Mae Jones, creator and producer. “FFF is our love letter to the women who’ve never been centered but have always been essential. We’re not just telling stories—we’re shifting the lens.”

 FFF: Full-Figured Flings is currently in development as a non-union independent production, with plans to release in 2026. The film invites audiences and allies to follow, support, and amplify the message through community engagement, open casting calls, and creative collaborations—including the launch of a nationwide call for a “Big Girl Anthem” to serve as the film’s official theme song.

Accept the Challenge…

The buzz is building fast around the highly anticipated full-figured fashion experience FFF, and now there’s a challenge on the table that fans won’t want to miss.

After racking up 11,000 views in less than 10 days, the official teaser video for FFF on YouTube is quickly gaining momentum. And now, the film’s Director of Photography, Dominique Perry, has thrown down a bold offer:

“If we hit 20,000 views before Saturday, June 14th, I’ll drop an exclusive second teaser on Father’s Day.”

This is more than a film—it’s a movement. FFF is a high-fashion, high-impact visual celebration of full-figured women taking a stand for representation, inclusion, and power on and off the runway.

Here’s how you can help make it happen: Watch the teaser now on YouTube. Like, comment, and subscribe. Share it with your community and post why YOU stand in solidarity with full-figured women

Watch here for a taste of the boldness, beauty, and energy

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